Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or the name of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer. they all belong to Mutant Enemy, Fox, WB etc.

This is only me having some fun with what Joss created.

Rating: T/M throughout. Will warn you if it is an explicitly Mature theme

A/N: This is an amalgamation of a couple of works in my hard drive that had started to stagnate. I re-read them and decided to mix them together and see what happened. This is the result. I'm not going to lie, this looks as if it's going to be another long one but I have to get this out of my head before I can go back to my other stories.

So enjoy and thanks for reading :)

Chapter 1

Buffy heard Willow, Faith and Dawn asking her what was next and how it felt to not be the one and only chosen and she couldn't help the thought that popped into her head – three days ago you kicked me out of my own house because I was reckless and now you wanna know what I think? Pfft. She smiled as she realised the irony of that and decided to keep her thoughts to herself.

Instead she turned to face them, avoiding Giles' searching gaze, and shrugged her shoulders, "Don't know about you guys but I think we should really be getting the injured somewhere other than that bus to treat them plus I would like to get as far away from this nightmare shithole as I can" she said as she walked through them towards the door at the back of the bus. She kept her arms crossed over her stomach holding her jacket closed over her wound, hoping they wouldn't realise the cut in the back was from a weapon.

Dawn watched her sister scale the side of the bus and jump onto the roof, retrieve the scythe then drop through the back door, shutting it firmly behind her before pressing her hand to her side and walking towards the front of the bus, checking the girls as she passed them.

"What's wrong? Why is she mad at us?" she asked looking from Giles to Willow, Xander and Faith then back to Giles, confusion plain on her face.

Faith snorted, "Ya kidding right?" she asked incredulously looking at the others in surprise when they looked as hurt and confused as Dawn, "Wow you're really not. Okay, do you even remember what you all did to B three days ago?"

Willow squeaked and looked at Faith with a guilty but shocked expression, "But she spoke to us like she used to, she didn't say anything, we planned and talked and hugged" she babbled as she looked at each of her friends.

"Yeah I mean she even joked about my eye and asked me to take Dawn away from the fight" Xander said his voice betraying the panic and hurt that was barely contained in his eyes.

"We are all so very stupid" Giles said as he pulled his glasses off of his face and pinched the bridge of his nose. Turning away from them, he stared over the crater that Sunnydale had become and cursed himself a fool for the hurt that he had seen in her eyes, I wondered why the bond was urging me towards her, he thought, that hasn't happened since she came back to me. I ignored it then and look where that got us. I'm not bloody likely to make the same mistake twice.

"Can we fix this?" Dawn asked shakily as tears began to form in her eyes.

Faith shook her head in disbelief and kicked a rock into the crater, "Not fucking likely" she said harshly watching it sail through the air, "I saw her face not thirty seconds after you lot shoved those knives in her back and let me tell ya I have never seen pain like that, not even in the mirror. That last night we were in the house she still thought she only had Spike as a friend and she even felt guilty sleeping in the same bed as him coz of what he said to her" she crossed her arms over her chest and glared at them, "there's not enough tea, cookies or grovelling in the world for you guys to make up for what you did"

"Yeah, well, you were right there with us and you didn't say anything," Dawn said angrily, lifting her head from Willows shoulder, "Why do you come out of this without the guilt? And what did Spike say to her?"

"Because, Dawn," Giles said stiffly, turning back to them as he put his glasses back on, "she didn't betray her. She didn't expect her to…to carry the weight of the world, again, and, most importantly of all, she didn't judge her for making a mistake"

"But she was right though wasn't she G" Faith said with a smirk as he turned back to the crater with a scowl on his face, "Caleb did have something of hers at the vineyard and she went back there by herself and took it from him, managing to get to us in that sewer to save the day as well even though we really didn't deserve it. Imagine what would have happened to us if B had been seriously injured or even killed by Caleb when she didn't have her scoobies backing her play? Just a thought" she said with that same smirk on her face. She knew she would never be the Slayer Buffy was and she had made her peace with that long ago, now she just had to be as good as she could be and hope that was enough.

She turned to Dawn and, still smirking, looked at her speculatively, "Spike told her he loved her" she said not missing the way Giles stood slightly stiffer, "he also said that she was a hell of a woman and that she amazed him along with a few other things"

"Did she tell him she loved him?" Willow asked still not entirely on board with the whole Spike thing.

"She probably did before he went poof but she wouldn't have meant it, she ended up loving him the way she loves you guys, well some of you anyway" she said staring at Giles with a smug look on her face when he turned to glare at her again.

Giles glared at her for a few seconds before she turned her back on them and sauntered back to the bus to see how Robin was doing. Dawn followed her footsteps a few seconds later to see if she could help, more subdued and thoughtful than she'd been since Buffy had died after saving her from Glory.

"Oh Goddess what have we done?" Willow asked breathlessly, a hand clamped tightly over her stomach.

"We can fix this right?" Xander asked them, tears beginning to form in his eyes as the gravity of the situation finally sunk in.

"I very much doubt it" Giles muttered still distracted by Faiths words, "For seven years she fought for us, however reluctantly she accepted her calling, she died for us twice, and we've paid her back by turning on her, breaking her trust….I don't know if we could ever…." he trailed off and shook his head before turning back to the bus.

"But we have to try" Xander said a little desperately, "we can't not try...right?"

"Of course we try Xand" Willow said tearfully, "We have to, she's our family"

Twenty minutes later they were on their way to find somewhere to stay while the more seriously injured, like Rona and Robin, could rest until they could withstand a longer journey.

Buffy sat at the back of the bus watching everyone through slitted eyes as she pretended to doze. Faith had told her that she had clued the guys in about what was wrong, warning her that they were hoping to fix it. So she watched silently as Xander and Willow would cast furtive but hopeful glances back at her as they tended to the various injured newbie Slayers.

She wasn't sure how she felt about them yet, she knew she didn't hate them but she didn't want to forgive them yet either. They were wary of her, avoiding eye contact when they had climbed back on the bus, and it made her want to laugh in a weary oh-my-God-what-the-fuck-has-happened-to-us kinda way. It was why she had used the connection she had with Faith and shared a dream with her, she had needed to talk without the judgement or frown-y faces she would have gotten from the gang.

Dawn on the other hand had walked onto the bus not long after Faith and wrapped her arms around her, sobbing into her neck and muttering, 'I'm so, so sorry, I love you, I don't know why I did that, please don't hate me' over and over until Buffy had relented and told her she loved her back, that she was forgiven. She was asleep now, sitting in the chair in front of her, her head gently bouncing against the window where she had rested it. Buffy had suggested finding their father and Dawn had dismissed the suggestion with a sneer telling her she wanted to stay with the gang.

She shifted on the seat a little so she could see Giles as he drove the bus, her memory automatically flashing back to the Knights of Byzantium and the spear he took to the gut and she flinched away from the image. She could feel the bond pulling at her, nudging her to take him, claim him again like she did after Adam and the nightmare that had been the whole year and judging by the spikes in her heart rate he could feel it too.

Should she ignore it like he did after she had been brought back from the dead? Like they both have since he showed up on her doorstep all doomsday prophet, neither one wanting to open themselves up to that with everything else going on. Or should she let him be the one to decide?

Shifting uncomfortably at the rush of arousal she felt remembering the times they had given in to the almost primal urge to claim each other, she thought back to the times the bond was satisfied with less contact, a hug or a simple holding of hands, and wondered why it had started to demand their joining.

Giles, who she saw shifting in his seat too, had a theory of course, something to do with her longevity as the Slayer. The longer she was alive the stronger their bond got and eventually it had demanded a coupling from them, a claiming he had called it. Apparently they were matched by the Powers long ago and that the Councils decision to pair the Untrained Slayer and the Renegade Watcher, in the hopes that she wouldn't last, had actually had nothing to do with them.

That fact, once Giles had unearthed it, had pleased both of them. Knowing that no matter what the Council tried to do to them, or how much they tried to split them up, wouldn't make a difference had calmed something inside of her; she was his and he was hers.

Buffy smiled slightly at the memory and saw his eyes flick to her in the rear-view mirror, the same small smile playing on his lips as was on hers and she scowled at him causing him to look away with a sigh. She wasn't going to let him be gentle and sweet like he had been before, no she wanted angry sex. Not violent like it had been with Spike, never again would she delve that deep into her dark side, just a good hard fuck would be exactly what she needed right now.

She thought back to laying in Spikes arms the night before and how she had felt comforted by his presence but at the same time realising that he had become as dear to her as Xander had in the beginning. She had felt their connection and had used it to draw the comfort and strength she needed from him but at the back of her mind she had thought of Giles and how she had felt the last time she had fallen asleep in his arms.

She swallowed as she imagined what they would do when they next had the chance, the strange popping sensation she felt in her head was ignored when she clamped down on a moan as the images became more vivid.

God Buffy, please stop she heard him beg her and she sat straight up startling Vi who had been dozing in the chair across from Dawn.

How did you do that? She thought back at him and saw the surprise in his eyes just as she heard Faith shout out that she could see a motel in the distance.

Swallowing heavily Giles focused back on the road and squinted at what Faith was pointing at. It was a two story Spanish style hotel with balconies and lush green plants in large terracotta pots bordering the courtyard. Bonus was that it seemed to be completely deserted. He pulled in and parked in front of the main entrance, turning the engine off he looked at Buffy through the review mirror,

Should we scout out the interior first before unloading the injured? He asked, his eyes widening in surprise when she nodded and stood up.

"Faith with me," she called out as she made her way down the bus, "The rest of you wait here until we give the all clear"

"Vi, Shannon, keep on your guard just in case" Faith said as she stuffed a stake in her waist band and slid a small hand axe out from a weapons bag that had been tucked under a seat. Buffy didn't look at anyone and just strolled off the bus and into the motel, scythe in hand with Faith following right behind her.

"Expecting any bad guys?" Faith asked once they were inside the cool lobby.

Buffy shook her head as she looked around the lobby. Seeing the extra large potted ferns and big wide leafy plants swaying slightly in the breeze that was blowing in from the open patio doors at the back she made the decision to start upstairs then work their way back down hoping it wouldn't take more than twenty minutes.

Walking behind the reception desk she took all the keys out of their little slots and handed half to Faith "Not really but you can't be too careful" she said in a whisper as they made their way up to the second floor.

"Gotcha" Faith whispered back then lapsed into silence sensing that Buffy wasn't in the mood for their usual banter.

Once they reached the second floor they turned left and checked every door on the way down the hall, extending their Slayer sense and giving each room a quick visual once over before moving on. They tiptoed up a small flight of stairs at the other end of the hallway and opened a door on what must have been the VIP/Honeymoon suite. Buffy called dibs on it, smiling a genuine smile for the first time in days when Faith shoved her shoulder in annoyance.

"Hey you snooze you lose" she said locking the door after her, wincing and pressing her hand to her side as she turned back down the hallway, "Besides I want as far away from everyone else as I can get to be honest, I'm not in the mood to deal with their drama right now"

"No I get it and Robin probably couldn't make it up the stairs anyway," Faith grumbled, glancing at Buffy with concern from the corner of her eye as they made their way back down, "but man that was a pretty sweet crib B and the shower with all those nozzles…." Faith groaned in bliss as she imagined being buffeted by the hot water.

"Let's just hope the electric stays on while we're here or no one will get to enjoy light or microwaves or hot water even" Buffy said sarcastically, a small smile teasing her lips as they started on the rooms downstairs.

Once they had checked every room, Faith sighing with longing when they found the hot tub and the pool, and found nothing but a few lone vamps waiting out the day, they went back to the bus. Buffy told her she would head to the kitchens to see what food they had and to look for any first aid supplies to replenish their rapidly shrinking supply while she sorted out the rooms. Faith nodded her agreement as they pushed through the front doors, watching her as she stumbled slightly.

"All clear everyone off" Buffy called then handed the keys over to Faith, turned and headed back into the motel.

"Where's she going?" Willow asked as she stepped off the bus.

"The kitchen to see if there's any food and probably the laundry room to see if they have any clothes coz she's got a hole in her top and blood on her jeans" Faith said giving Vi and Rona a key assuming they'd be staying together.

"Buffy's hurt?" Giles asked popping up behind Willow with Dawn on his heels.

"Oh boy is she" Vi said as she put a supporting arm around Rona, "How she's still standing after that blow has gotta be a miracle"

"What blow?" Giles asked and Faith could see the panic rising in his eyes.

"I don't know I didn't see it happen but I did see her go down and she's been favouring her right side" she said gently, indicating on herself where she thought it might be, "but man, when she got up I swear I felt a surge of power flow through me, gave me the strength to kick out from under the pile of Uber Vamps I was under"

Vi, Shannon and a few others nodded in agreement, "Same here," Vi said shifting Rona slightly, "It was like an energy boost and the fight turned in our favour"

Before Giles could say anything they heard a surprised yell from inside and Andrew came running through the doors, "Mr Giles come quick it's Buffy!" he shouted at them and Giles was gone before any of them could even react.

Dawn quickly followed him, running through the lobby and skidding to a stop at the sight of Buffy laying on the floor with some food, a first aid kit, a polo shirt and a pair of sweats scattered around her. Giles was on his knees beside her with his fingers on her throat and his other hand twisting a towel tightly around her abdomen, the end of it trailing in the small pool of blood that had gathered underneath her.

"Giles?" Dawn asked weakly, worry and fear evident in her voice as she stared down at her sisters pale face.

"Not now Dawn," Giles said softly as he looked up at the gathering crowd. Seeing Faith push her way to the front he beckoned her over with a flick of his head.

"Faith, which room is hers?" he asked her after she told the girls to get settled and leave this to them.

"Key's in her back right pocket and it's the Honeymoon suite" she said watching as he lifted her gently into his arms, "Want a hand G?" she asked as she gently lay a few medical supplies on top of the towel around Buffy's stomach.

"Uh..no, thank you, but if you could make sure everyone has everything they need and the injured are taken care of that would be very helpful" he said with a strained smile before walking towards the elevators.

"Sure, not a problem" Faith said before turning to Xander, "Help me get Robin to our room Xand?"

"Sure" he mumbled, watching the elevator doors close on the sight of Giles bending his head to Buffy's and touching his forehead to hers.

"Dawnie?" Willow called to her as she began picking up the scattered objects on the floor, "What are you doing?"

"Gonna take this up to Buffy" she said woodenly, "Faith, can I have a key to a room next to Buffy's?" she called after her as she and Xander walked towards the front entrance.

"Uh...no, sorry squirt but B wants alone time," Faith called back to her without stopping, "besides there is no room next to Buffy's so you're gonna have to find someone to share with if you don't wanna stay on your own, all the keys are on the counter at the front desk, help yourself"

"Okay" Dawn said sadly looking at the pile of things in her hands.

"Come on Dawn let's get these up to Giles and then we can find a room for you as close to Buffy as we can" Willow said gently, putting a hand on her shoulder.

Dawn nodded sadly watching the others smiling and laughing as they moved off towards their rooms or the gift shop or kitchen. She gripped the things in her hands tighter and followed Willow up the stairs towards the Honeymoon suite.

After Giles had gotten her into her room he lay her on the bed, gently removed her clothes then cleaned and dressed her wound before using a damp cloth to wash away the majority of the dirt and grime she was covered in. He then took the time to have a shower and clean himself up before getting comfortable by her side to wait until she regained consciousness.

xxxxxxxxxxxx

"Giles?" she asked, shaking off the confusion she felt at waking in a strange place.

"Buffy thank the Gods" he said rising quickly out of the doze he had slipped into. He sat forward and took her hand in his.

"How'd I get here?" she asked looking around her, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the light. She recognised the white gauze curtains around the bed and remembered where she was.

"I carried you up here after you collapsed in the lobby nearly two days ago," he said leaning forward and gently brushing his fingers over her cheek, "why didn't you tell me you were injured?"

She shrugged in answer, not wanting to voice her fear that he wouldn't have cared, and pushed herself up against the headboard not caring that she was only wearing her underwear, "It was no big deal," she croaked then pulled her hand from his and reached for the bottle of water that still had beads of condensation running down the outside of the bottle.

She cracked the lid and downed half of the wonderfully cool contents before putting it back, "I think Wills spell healed most of it and the adrenaline took care of the rest, didn't really feel it until we were on the bus"

"Well I damned near lost you again and Dawn has been frantic with worry" he chastised her sitting on the edge of the bed. He picked up her wrist and lay his fingers against her pulse as he looked at his watch, "Back to normal" he said dropping his hand back into his lap and looking down as Buffy took his other hand in hers "And I would have cared Buffy" he said looking down at their joined hands, a faint blush rising on his cheeks.

"That bad huh?" she asked, her thumb moving over the back of his hand, "What's with the mind reading thing anyway?".

"You were run through Buffy" he said ignoring the obvious tremor to his voice as her touch caused his passion to begin to rise, "of course it was that bad and as for the mind reading it may just be another facet to our bond"

"Great" she said with a roll of her eyes then grinned and sat forward, "I'm all better now though right" she said and he swallowed convulsively at the look in her eye.

"Y...yes it would ap..appear so" he answered watching her shift forward and swing a leg over his thighs.

"Dawn doesn't want to find Dad, she wants to stay with you guys" she whispered as she began teasing his lips and jaw with the briefest of touches.

"Th...that's f..fine" he stammered, groaning as her tongue began to tease his neck at the same time she pressed down on his growing desire.

"Good" she whispered in his ear then stood up and walked away with an evil chuckle.

He watched her walk towards the shower room, blinking rapidly trying to dispel the haze that had descended over him during her ministrations and was embarrassed to realise he was grinning like a fool. The shower came on and he stood on shaky legs to gather the clothes and other necessities that Dawn and Willow had scavenged for her.

The shower stopped twenty minutes later and he turned to watch her walk towards him wrapped in a towel, drops of water lazily trickling down her neck and chest.

She walked up to him rubbing her hair with another towel, the look on her face making his heart rate speed up, and he sat heavily on the edge of the bed. She threw the towel she was using on her hair back towards the bathroom and straddled his lap, bending her head to his neck.

"That feels better" she whispered in his ear and he could hear the grin in her voice and now thanks to the new connection that had opened between them he could feel her, taste the flavour of her thoughts and feelings. He was stunned by the love, the need that had nothing to do with the bond and felt the shock go through her when she found the same thing reflected back at her.

Growling he pulled back and fisted his hand in her hair, pulling her head back roughly before covering her mouth with his and taking what he wanted, tasting the mint of the mouthwash he had brought up the day before.

Buffy moaned in delight and gave herself over to him, both of them solely concerned with satisfying the now screaming need from their bond, their own need fanning the flames into a wildfire as he pressed her back into the bed. She fumbled and groped at the button and zipper of his jeans while he busied himself teasing her with light nibbles and sucking kisses over her neck, chest and stomach as he pulled the towel open and out from under her.

Once she managed to free him and take him in her hand he stilled, his head bowed and pressing against her sternum. His breathing became harsh and ragged as she stroked his length, pulling him closer to where she really needed him. With a groan he batted her hand away and slid home in one movement, both of them sighing in completion while the bond practically purred in delight.

Outside Faith was about to knock when she heard the twin groans from deep inside the room. Smiling she dropped her hand and turned around, whistling cheerfully to cover the noises she could still hear and decided to hit the hot tub.

She'd only wanted to know how B was and it sounded like she was doing just fine.